Microsoft Ignite 2024: When it is & what to expect?

Microsoft Ignite 2024 is going to be big! The next big Microsoft event, in Chicago and online, will bring a wealth of information about all things Microsoft – including Windows. Microsoft Ignite has something for you whether you’re a developer, IT pro, or business decision-maker.

First, the basics: when is Microsoft Ignite 2024? The conference runs from November 18-22, 2024, with in-person activities at Chicago’s McCormick Place and digital sessions available through the Microsoft Ignite website. You can still register here.

Now, on to the good stuff: Windows. Microsoft Ignite 2024 features a variety of breakout sessions, theater sessions, and hands-on labs focused on Windows 11 and Windows in the cloud. Looking to get up to speed on the latest Windows developments, brush up on your Windows skills, and network with other Windows enthusiasts? Here are some Windows-related activities you can check out at Microsoft Ignite.

Whether you’re attending in person or digitally, you can join breakout sessions led by Windows experts from Microsoft and other organizations. Here are a few sessions that caught our eye.

• Get ready for end of support (EOS) and the future of AI at work with Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs (Wednesday, November 20, 11:00 a.m. CT)
• Transform end-user computing experiences with Windows, Windows 365, and Intune (Thursday, November 21, 1:15 p.m. CT)
• How to update your endpoint strategy for Windows 365 (Thursday, November 21, 1:15 p.m. CT)

The Copilot+ PC session is probably the most anticipated of them all. Microsoft and its OEM partners released dozens of Copilot+ PCs this year, but the devices are still struggling to find their place in a context where most apps are not compatible with them.

Fortunately, we’ve seen small steps: dozens of DAWs have been adapted for Windows on Arm, allowing musicians to produce and compose music on these devices. And Microsoft recently updated its Prism emulator on them to support x64 apps. So, compatibility is almost fixed.

It’s going to be interesting to see some developments on them. Could they support demanding games? This could be a serious improvement.

You can find more about Microsoft Ignite 2024 in the official announcement here.